Lira gaped at the blue eyed girl for a moment before collecting herself and plastering a confused look on her face.
"Excuse me?" Lira asked with her head tilted to the side.
The girl just laughed and said, "May I come in?"
"No, you may not." Lira frowned. "I've had a long journey and I'm too tired to receive visitors…especially those I don't know."
"Okay," the girl smiled. "I'll see you tomorrow then." She bowed then turned and walked away.
Lira closed the door behind her and let her weight fall back against the wood. She slowly let out a deep unsteady sigh.
What was that? Lira thought.
There was no way anyone here could know what she was. She even changed her name just in case.
Could she be one of Donna's people? Or maybe it's because she came from Ironwood so it was assumed that she was the Moonborne.
Lira groaned then flopped on to the bed. "I have to get out of here before he finds me," Lira whispered into the darkness.
But it was still too loud for her.
She got up and walked to the window. The town wasn't as big as Ironwood, they were still recovering from a war after all, but Lira still found a quiet beauty in Silverstone.
The town was covered in a blanket of near-darkness which was only illuminated by the presence of a few torches and lanterns. The people of Silverstone must retire early.
Kyren would hate this place Lira thought as she returned to the bed. She clutched at her chest as it throbbed painfully. She knew it was the mate bond.
It had been tugging painfully the moment she left Ironwood. It was faint, not enough to slow her movement down but enough for her to never forget it.
She wished that she didn't think of Kyren because it would bring the pain to the surface. But it was too late, she could already see him pacing around the small room; his boots thudding noisily on the floor as he pretended not to notice her watching.
That was something he had done right from when they were kids, he would pretend not to notice her but would steal frequent glances at her when he thought she wasn't looking.
Everyone who was intrigued by a Moonborne did that, but Kyren continued to do it even after they spent years together.
There were sometimes when her eyes would meet his and she would see his deep onyx orbs.
Lira closed her eyes and imagined his eyes that were liquid darkness drawing her in a slow irresistible pull. Especially that night when he looked at her with hunger.
She shivered at the memory then shook her head. Lira was certainly embarrassed after Kyren refused to mark her but she had a feeling he still wanted to.
The door flung open and Daries announced, "Hey Red, I'm back. Did I take long?"
"No, not at all." Lira said, sounding a little breathless.
"I got a little extra for you since you looked so pale?" Daries set it on the bed.
"Hey, did you…" Lira lowered her voice, "Did you steal it?"
"Of course not," Daries chucked. "I have my own money."
"From what job?" Lira raised a brow and crossed her arms.
"Protecting weaklings like you who wander outside their packs. Now eat up "
They ate in a comfortable silence and as Lira suspected, he didn't say anything about the name change.
After eating, Daries wordlessly pulled out his blanket and set it on the floor.
"Good night, Red."
"Good night, Daries."
The next morning, Lira woke up to the sound of the door creaking open. Daries was talking to someone outside. He came back in with a large tray carrying two plates.
"You're up early." He remarked as he placed the tray on the ground. "I didn't know you made a friend yesterday."
What are you talking about?" Lira asked as she rubbed her eyes with the back of her fingers.
"Someone paid for our breakfast." Daries pointed at a paper box near the door. "And got you a dress."
"Friend?" Lira mused. Then she gasped when she remembered the girl from yesterday.
Daries gave her a look then started to dig into the food.
Lira sat on the ground and joined him. "You'll follow me to the temple once we're done." Lira instructed.
"What for?" Daries asked through a mouth full of food.
"You're my page. It's your job to help me." Lira said. "And don't talk with your mouth full, it's gross.
Daries stayed silent as he scooped up a heap of the food and shoved it into his mouth. "Sure thing, Red," he said, barely sounding coherent.
"You're such a child," Lira stifled a laugh as she rolled her eyes.
At the temple, they were welcomed by Alpha Luca and his Luna, the High priestess Sophia.
"I hope you slept well Sister Lianne," Alpha Luca beamed.
"Yes Alpha" Lira said with a bow. Daries bowed too. As her 'page' he only stayed silent and bowed when she bowed.
"Our daughter, Arian will show you to the moonstone, but she isn't here right now." The Luna said with an awkward laugh. "She's very gifted, she is the one who found the moonstone."
"It's okay, we can wait." Lira smiled back.
The Alpha and the Luna seemed to be very nice and pleasant people. Alpha Luca had a large hulking frame, reminding Lira of a grizzly bear.
Luna Sophia on the other hand was like a willow tree. She was a slender woman whose head didn't make it to Alpha Luca's broad shoulders.
"Sorry, I'm late, I ran into a bit of trouble this morning." A girl panted from behind Lira
"Arian!" Alpha Luca exclaimed.
She turned and it was the girl from yesterday.
Her pale skin contrasted nicely with her beige robe. Her hands were on her knees and her hair covered her face. Her wavy waist-length hair, which Lira thought was a mere brown, was actually honey brown and it glowed golden in the morning sun. She raised her head and her eyes were a striking blue, just like cornflowers.
She walked to Lira and smiled, "I see you got my dress."